Stock-fence



(No Model.)

P. M. SPARKS.

STOCK FENCE.

. Patented May 10, 1892.

UNITED STATES PATENT @rrrcn.

PHINEAS M. SPARKS, OF ZANESVILLE, INDIANA.

STOCK-FENCE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 474,464, dated May 10, 1892.

Application filed July 81, 1891- Serial No. 401,303. (No model.)

T0 to whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, PHINEAS M. SPARKS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Zan esville, in the county of Wells and State of Indiana, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stock-Fences; and I do declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to the letters of reference marked thereon, which form a part of this specification.

Figure l is a perspective View; and Fig. 2, a transverse section thereof, showing a modification of my invention.

In the drawings, a o represent the main posts.

I) b are the main rails.

o c are the canting stakes, which cross above the main rails.

(Z d are the top rails, which rest upon and between the cross-stakes c c.

e e are a series of wires, which secure and hold each pair of main posts a.

f f are a series of wires, which hold and secure the top rails d and the cross-stakes c.

In practice I setthe posts a far enough apart to permit the rails b to lay in the space between them, the ends of the adjacent rails lying upon one another.

g is a piece placed at the foot of each pair of posts a to prevent the lower rails 12 coming in contact with the ground and rotting. The stakes c c are placed, preferably, about one foot in the ground, and their upperportions bear firmly against the posts a upon either side thereof and hold and support the main posts and rails in a very secure manner by being tied by the wire loops f above the top rails d.

This fence will effectually keep out pigs and all small farm-animals, while at the same time it is strong enough to withstand the assaults of cattle and tall enough to prevent its being jumped by horses. I employ a series of cross pieces it below the posts a, and binge the bottom ends thereof to said crosspieces by hinges 2', which allow the posts to swing outwardly toward or upon the ground. By this means I am enabled to take out one or more panels forthe purpose ofprovidingateinporaryopening through the inclosure for any purpose, such as driving stocl ,wagons, or hauling material therethrough, after which the fence may be expeditiously restored. The posts may be arranged to swing longitudinally, or in line with the fence, together or in opposite directions for the same purpose. Each pair of posts a are hinged attheir bottoms, as shown in the drawings, so that they may, when desired, be swung in opposite directions thereon in the line of the trend of the fence.- The posts are each arranged to swing away from the adjacent inclined braces, so that it is not necessary to remove them or the riders supported thereby. The wires or fastenings of the posts are untwisted or clipped for this purpose, and

the main rails b may be pulled ou I claim- In afence, the combination of the main rails, the inclined braces, the top rails or riders, a cross-piece at the foot of the posts, braces, and rails, and a series of double posts hinged at their feet, said hinges being oppositely arranged upon each pair of posts, whereby the latter are swung downwardly in opposite directions alongside of and in line with the trend of the fence.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

PIIINEAS M. SPARKS.

\Vitnesses:

L. F. WILsoN, G. A. MORTON. 

